Vivian Moreno, a second-term San Diego City Council member representing the city’s southernmost neighborhoods, is running for county supervisor representing District 1.
The San Diego Union-Tribune asked her and all the candidates running a series of the same questions about the big issues facing South County, and their priorities and plans if elected. Here’s what she told us.
1.) Why are you running, and what makes you the best candidate?
I am running for county supervisor to ensure that District 1 communities receive the resources and leadership they deserve. As a lifelong resident of the South Bay, I understand the challenges facing working families. The county has failed to equitably invest in South County communities, and I intend to change that.
I have a proven track record as a San Diego City Council member, securing millions in funding for infrastructure projects that directly improve people’s lives, like parks, fire stations, and libraries. I have successfully advocated for preserving and increasing affordable housing and fought for transportation improvements while holding government agencies accountable. My leadership on issues like homelessness solutions, the SR-125 toll removal, public safety and economic growth sets me apart.
South County needs a strong voice on the Board of Supervisors, one that will fight for equitable investments, protect taxpayer dollars and work collaboratively to improve residents quality of life.
2.) What are the top 3 issues facing this district and the county generally?
Housing: The county faces a severe housing crisis, and the South Bay has been disproportionately affected. Encinitas built more housing than the county last year. We need to streamline permitting so more new homes can be built that are accessible to middle-income families, and we need to protect existing affordable homes.
Transportation infrastructure disparities: South County residents deserve real solutions to reduce traffic congestion. Exploring strategic investments is key, including approaches like “lane movers,” and enhancing alternative transportation options. This includes critical upgrades such as grade separations at key trolley crossings like East H and E Streets. Completing the San Ysidro Intermodal Transit Center will provide a much-needed transportation hub. I will also continue to push for the elimination of the SR-125 toll.
Homelessness: The current strategies to tackle the homelessness crisis are not working. The county needs to take a leadership role in the region and get people off the streets by investing in comprehensive solutions.
3.) What are the first 3 things you would do in office if elected?
Assess county operations: I will meet with county staff and management to conduct a thorough assessment of the county’s programs, policies and operations. It’s important to fully understand the challenges we are facing to ensure efficient service delivery for residents. I’m here to make sure our county works for us.
Streamline housing: I will prioritize the county’s housing approval and permitting processes to expedite the construction of homes where it makes sense. Cutting the red tape and reducing unnecessary delays is crucial to increase housing supply and improve affordability.
Strengthen economic development and job opportunities: Investing in local job creation is crucial for South County families to thrive. I will secure funding for small business assistance programs, development of a four-year university in Chula Vista, redevelopment of Brown Field Airport and expanding workforce training initiatives.
4.) What are your plans for addressing homelessness in San Diego County and in this district specifically?
The county must take the lead in coordinating regional efforts and ensuring that all cities have the resources they need to address the homelessness crisis. This crisis in San Diego County is directly linked to untreated mental health and substance use disorders, and we cannot continue to utilize law enforcement as the default response for individuals. Funding must be directed toward data-driven solutions that provide tangible results, including expanding mental health and substance abuse treatment, increasing transitional and permanent supportive housing and working with local cities to develop comprehensive solutions.
5.) Recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have brought renewed attention to the potential effects on areas with high fire risk. Do you think the county should encourage development in rural unincorporated areas, and if so, how should it mitigate fire risks in them?
Also, what more should the county do to combat the region’s housing and affordability crisis?
I support responsible development to ensure we are building enough homes to support the needs of families throughout the county. New homes must be built to the highest fire safety standards so they are fire-resilient, and the county needs to ensure proper evacuation routes and firefighting resources are required as part of any development. Increasing investment in fire prevention programs, defensible space initiatives and staffing for fire agencies is critical, as well as building new fire stations, which will improve emergency response times. It is also essential to ensure the infrastructure needed to fight fires, like fire hydrants, are in good condition and function as needed in an emergency.
To address housing affordability, I will push to accelerate housing production, streamline permitting processes and provide financial assistance for first-time homebuyers. We must also invest in workforce housing near job centers and transit corridors to reduce commutes and alleviate congestion.
6.) San Diego County recently drew national attention for its effort to bolster its immigration “sanctuary” policies. What are your positions on immigration enforcement and goals for immigrant communities, and how should the county pursue these and respond to federal crackdowns? What is your response to the sheriff’s refusal to comply with new county policy?
I support policies that protect and uplift all of our communities. Immigrants are the backbone of our economy, and we must ensure they have access to county services, legal support and pathways to success. Public safety should be the top priority, and when residents, regardless of immigration status, are afraid to call the police, the entire community becomes less safe.
7.) Are you satisfied with the county’s handling of the sewage crisis thus far? What specific actions would you take to tackle the issue, and what relief would you seek for constituents?
Our communities deserve an end to this environmental disaster. I have experienced the devastating impact of this crisis as I, with my newborn daughter, lived near the Tijuana River Valley and experienced the noxious smell emanating from the water. Being a new mother and not being able to leave my house for fear I would expose my baby to air that was harmful to breathe was terrifying. The county’s response has been inadequate. As a council member, I have fought relentlessly for the federal government to take action to fix the problem. I will continue that advocacy as a county supervisor.
8.) What else should be the county’s top priorities on public health and, separately, on behavioral health? Do you support the county’s current courses of action on both, and how do you think it should improve?
The county needs to take a leadership role on behavioral health and hire 18,000 health care workers. The county must prioritize expanding mental health services, particularly crisis response teams and substance abuse treatment programs for all ages. In addition, we must continue to strengthen emergency preparedness, expand community clinics and address health disparities that disproportionately affect South County residents. Investing in preventive care and increasing access to maternal and child health services is crucial for our communities.
9.) District 1 has borne the impacts of climate change in the form of recent wildfires and floods, as well as the health effects of climate-warming emissions. How would you improve climate resilience within the district, and how would you improve transportation options that reduce emissions?
Local government must give our communities the tools to adapt and be resilient to climate change. That is why early in my tenure as a City Council member I took action to create the city’s first Climate Equity Fund.
The Climate Equity Fund dedicates revenues to be used exclusively towards building new infrastructure projects in underserved communities where, since the infrastructure was never built, the effects of climate change will be felt the hardest. The Climate Equity Fund has already resulted in allocating tens of millions of dollars to multiple infrastructure projects. The communities where the projects are being built will be better able to adapt and be resilient to the effects of climate change.
To truly advance climate resiliency we need to invest in strong sustainable infrastructure that protects our communities. I would aim to establish a Climate Equity Fund at the county as well.
10.) The CaliBaja region — the combined economies of San Diego and Imperial counties and Baja California — is the largest integrated economic zone along the U.S.-Mexico border. How would you protect this cross-border economy as the presidential administration threatens heavy tariffs on Mexico, and how would you make the county friendlier to businesses, small and large?
Mexico is our number one trading partner. At the Otay Mesa Port of Entry we see $60 billion in value crossing annually. I oppose tariffs because they harm businesses, and I believe in strengthening partnerships with Baja California.
It’s crucial to help organizations like the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce by investing in the surrounding infrastructure which will support the Calibaja economy. As a council member, I fought to expand La Media Road in Otay Mesa. This $60 million investment has greatly improved traffic flow for the South Bound Truck route, the designated route for trucks crossing to Mexico via the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, one of the most important commercial border crossings in the U.S.
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